President Thabo Mbeki has set himself 24 tasks, listed alongside, for completion before he leaves the political stage in 2009. This is typical of the managerial style that has characterised his presidency, but the 24 tasks also reveal the constraints he has faced for several years now. The priorities are not new, though the term to describe them — ‘apex priorities†— is. Mbeki often gives old problems sexy new titles as a way of masking the intractable weaknesses of state management he has faced.
The ‘War on Poverty†is an example of a new term for the old dilemma of how to mount a real attack on poverty from the proceeds of sustained growth. Other issues which have been priorities for several years include the industrial policy initiative, set to get R5-billion in next week’s budget; long-standing but ineffectual efforts to bring down the cost of telecommunications; the acceleration of land reform; better early-childhood development; and a reduction in awaiting-trial cases.
Massive vacancies in the state explain why Mbeki’s plans, as disclosed in several state of the nation addresses, have been unsuccessful. As figures in the Weekender last Saturday show, even South Africa’s artisans are now being poached by skills-hungry developed countries. The system of government created in 1994 slows down effective policy execution and development; this is particularly true of health and education, with both systems said to be in crisis.
Finalise the action plans for identified sectors, such as mining and textiles; provide the necessary resources where needed; and ensure full cooperation by government.
Set up investment call centre
Within three months, a call centre will be set up to deal with applications for investment and ensure that departments act to help investors where necessary and reduce red tape.
Speed up information and communication interventions to provide cheap platforms
Infrastructure development, cost and access-related issues, Infraco, Sentech and undersea cables will be addressed.
Implement intensive campaign on energy security
A massive campaign to ensure energy saving by households and industrial users will be launched. Planning of built environment must take into account the issue of energy saving.
Resolve organisational issues in relation to skills development
The human resource development strategy must be implemented to address governance and operational matters pertaining to Setas and the capacity of universities and FET colleges, to meet skills requirements. The private sector will be mobilised to make use of the contribution of professional bodies and trade unions.
Resource poor schools and monitor learning outcomes
All schools in the poorest quintiles will be given a basic resource package of appropriate books and materials for learners and teachers; staff will receive support and assistance for management; and management of resources will be improved. Learner outcomes will be monitored.
Speed up land and agrarian reform
Ensure intensive training for and assistance to new farmers while speeding up acquisition of land for redistribution. Logjams will be cleared, including matters pertaining to the capitalisation and mandate of the Land Bank and leverage of Financial Sector Charter opportunities.
War against Poverty
Community development workers, social workers, community and home-based care workers, constituency offices, councillors and NGOs will identify households and individuals in dire poverty and provide interventions, such as social grants, distress grants, food parcels, school feeding, agricultural starter packs, micro-finance and assistance for small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Self-employment interventions in the second economy
A massive campaign is to be launched to create self-employment through micro-enterprises and co-operatives by organising and training women, particularly in rural areas. Young people will be helped to enter the labour market through learnerships and special public works programmes.
Speed up the community infrastructure programme
Implement intensive campaigns to meet targets for water, sanitation and electricity that will ensure universal access by 2014.
Speed up the implementation of the early childhood development programme
Expand the number of trained staff and double the number of sites and child beneficiaries by end of 2009.
Intensify the campaign against communicable diseases
Implement the strategy on HIV and Aids and intensify the campaign against various TB strains, as well as other communicable diseases.
Assist small- and medium-sized enterprises, including procurement activities by government
Small- and medium-sized companies will receive preferential procurement from government and payment for these services will be made in 30 days. A call centre will be set up to register complaints by these companies if they are not paid in time so that interventions can be made.
Implement special social cohesion campaigns
Introduce a pledge based on the preamble of the Constitution to be recited every morning at all schools. The Geographical Names Council should undertake hearings on names of districts, metros and local municipalities and complete this within two years.
Regularise employment and key performance agreements
All vacancies at senior level should be filled within six months. Ensure that all senior management officials sign their key performance agreements by May every year.
Ensure integrated planning across all spheres
Institute a roadmap for setting up planning capacity and ensure that planning instruments in the different spheres work together.
Improve civic services
Ensure that services such as identity documents, passports and the processing of work permits are improved. The relevant departments must fill vacancies in their senior management urgently. The new identity card will be piloted and the systems of the department of home affairs re-engineered.
Implement special crime-combating and security initiatives
Each police station must identify and focus on two or three serious crimes in its precinct. Intensify action against organised crime and corruption with the new-look criminal justice system.
Reduce number of cases waiting trial
Case backlogs must be reduced by 30% by 2009 by using former magistrates, additional prosecutors, legal aid representatives and administrative support to establish additional capacity. Advantage must be taken of plea-bargaining and case-flow management improved.
Partnership and communication over fighting crime
Intensify work with Business Against Crime and provide more resources for community police forums. A comprehensive communication strategy is needed to improve community partnerships and enhance public confidence.
Continue to fa-cilitate resolution of political challenges facing Zimbabwe
The facilitation process in Zimbabwe should continue and, by the time the presidential and parliamentary elections take place, all the main issues should be resolved. South Africa should also assist in the reconstruction of the country.
Consolidate advances relating to peace and reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Regular interaction with the government of the DRC will be undertaken to realise the agendas of Africa and the South.
Intensify economic diplomacy and communication
The comprehensive strategy to attract foreign direct investment will be implemented. Tourism will be expanded and the country’s international image polished. Access to global markets will be improved.
Increase the SANDF’s intake of trainees
The target is to bring 10 000 new recruits into the national defence force annually, which will provide young people with technical and social skills.